Hundreds of Harnett students, school staff either infected with coronavirus or in quarantine

The district started full-time, in-person classes for elementary school students in early October. By Thursday, 22 coronavirus infections were reported, and another 237 people were in quarantine, according to the district's online dashboard.

Benhaven Elementary School, near Sanford, had 53 quarantines reported, which was the most in the district and more than double the 25 reported Monday. No infections have been reported at the school.

"I think they're doing a really good job," Hubbard said. "They wear their masks all day. The teachers are keeping them socially distanced. [There's] tons of hand washing and sanitizing."

But grandparents of Benhaven Elementary students were more anxious.

District spokeswoman Natalie Ferrell said the dashboard numbers reflect everybody associated with a school, including students in remote learning at home.

"We're keeping an eye on the dashboard and are being as transparent as possible," Ferrell said, adding that the high number of quarantines shows that administrators are being extra cautious.

In neighboring Johnston County, more than 100 coronavirus infections have been reported by the school district.

Sixty-four students, most in elementary schools, have the virus, as do 38 staffers, also mostly in elementary schools, according to Johnston County Public Schools.

No clusters have been reported in October, however.